Skilled Work Regional – 491 visa

You must score at least 65 points to be eligible under the Points-Tested stream. Higher scores increase your chance of receiving an invitation to apply, as only top-ranking candidates are selected.

The minimum level is Competent English. However, achieving Proficient or Superior English can boost your points score and make your application more competitive.

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

Depending on the chosen State you may need to also lodge a Registration of Interest.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and score highly enough, you may be nominated by the chosen state for a pre-assessment of your position. The State will normally confirm whether you meed the extra requirements set at the State level (ie. residency or employment conditions etc).

If the nomination stage is successful you will received an invitation to apply for the 491 visa. From there, you can lodge your visa application with supporting documents.

Yes. You can include eligible family members, such as your partner and dependent children, in your application.

Family members can be included in your 491 visa application or be added at a later moment even after you have received your regional visa.

To lodge an Expression of Interest for the 491 regional visa, you must score at least 65 points on the migration points test. Points are awarded for:

• Age – up to 30 points (25–32 years scores highest).

• English language ability – 0 to 20 points (Competent, Proficient, or Superior English).

• Skilled work experience – more points for longer experience, with higher weighting for work in Australia.

• Qualifications – up to 20 points depending on your highest recognised qualification.

• Additional factors – such as Australian study, regional study, NAATI language skills, partner skills, and professional year.

• You will also receive 15 extra points for the State nomination.

The more points you have, the higher your chance of receiving an invitation to apply through SkillSelect.

Technically yes, you can select multiple states when lodging your EOI for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa. However, in practice this is often not advantageous.

Many states and territories require applicants to already reside in their jurisdiction for a minimum period before being considered for nomination. In addition, even where interstate applicants are accepted, they are usually given lower priority compared to those already living and working in the state. As a result, your likelihood of receiving an invitation may be significantly reduced if you do not meet the residency or priority requirements of the state or territory in question.

You may apply for permanent residency after 3 years on the 491 visa, through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence) visa, provided that you and your family members have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area of Australia and complied with all the conditions of your visa.